State: Many roadway pump stations in poor shape

August 14, 2014 | AP The state says 58 percent of pumping stations used to clear water from major roadways in Michigan are in poor condition.

The Detroit News reports the assessment from the Michigan Department of Transportation was discussed following heavy rains that swamped the Detroit area, closing major freeways, flooding surface streets and sending water into basements.

MDOT oversees 165 pump houses, including 139 in the Detroit area. The agency says 20 percent are in fair condition and 22 percent are in good condition. MDOT spokesman Jeff Cranson says the long-term goal is to have 90 percent in fair or good condition.

Cranson says, however, that "even with better pump stations, they still would have been overwhelmed" during Monday's rains.

MDOT says the initial cost to clean up Detroit-area freeways is $500,000.